Db Electrical Amt0188 Alternator on 2040-parts.com

Volkswagen plans 4 million cars from one platform

Volkswagen is pushing the global-platform concept to a level unprecedented in the auto industry, introducing a modular platform this summer that eventually will be the basis of microcars, sedans, crossovers and SUVs for its four largest brands. While automakers now share platforms across brands and sometimes even segments, the VW initiative that starts this summer is far more ambitious than anything seen so far. By 2017, some analysts estimate, the MQB platform that debuts with the Audi A3 eventually will be used in 4 million units a year--close to half of VW's annual production.

Audi A8 & S8 get a facelift to stand up to the new Mercedes S Class

The Audi A8 (pictured) and S8 get a facelift for 2014 The Mercedes S Class has always been the benchmark against which all luxury saloons are measured, so with a new S-Class now heading for a Mercedes showroom near you, Audi are giving the A8 and S8 a facelift in the hope their sales will hold up. On the cosmetic front, the A8/S8 facelift is pretty much what you’d expect with a nip and tuck for the bumpers and grill, the odd new contour, bits of extra chrome and LED headlights. There’s also the option of Matrix LED headlights that light up to 25 individual LEDs to suit need.

Top Gear: Video of the Top Gear Live show from NEC 2011

Top Gear Live Show at NEC As we’ve said before, we always know when Top Gear has something to promote – they send us videos and bend over backwards to give us anything we want. But that’s OK. We know lots of our readers enjoy Top Gear and a TG video is always fun.